Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF AN UNDEREXPLORED MEDICINAL PLANT FROM THE ACANTHACEAE FAMILY: IN VITRO AND IN SILICO EVALUATION AGAINST MCF-7 CELL LINES

M. Priyanka*, Dr. R. Manivannan, B. Gokulakannan, P. Gunal, P. Jeeva, K. Soundarrajan, V. Vijay

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Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating the exploration of safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants, particularly those belonging to the family Acanthaceae, are a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential anticancer properties. This review focuses on the phytochemical profiling and evaluation of the anticancer activity of Ecbolium viride (Acanthaceae) against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines using both in vitro and in silico approaches. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. GC–MS analysis identified several bioactive constituents, notably beta-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant, dosedependent inhibition of MCF-7 cell viability. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities of these phytoconstituents against breast cancer target proteins (3ERT, 1M17, and 1A28). Toxicity predictions suggested non-toxic and safe properties. Collectively, the evidence highlights Ecbolium viride as a promising source of anticancer compounds, warranting further research and development in cancer therapeutics.

Keywords: Ecbolium viride, Acanthaceae, phytochemicals, anticancer, MCF-7, molecular docking.